Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney: "This is good news for world football and not before time. These are changes that we had called for and had hoped would come. We believe there is now an opportunity for real change and reform at FIFA. It is important that this opportunity to change the culture within FIFA at the highest levels is not passed up."

Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill, and FIFA executive committee member: "Naturally, I fully welcome today's news as a major step forward for FIFA on the road to proper reform. As I announced following the election at FIFA congress, I simply could not countenance serving on the FIFA executive committee alongside Mr Blatter. I respect his decision but am pleased he is standing aside and by the clear determination for real change within FIFA. This in turn allows me to reconsider my position. Having yet to confirm formally my resignation, I am more than willing to play my part in helping to bring about a positive future for FIFA and to work with the many people within the organisation who are only committed to developing and promoting the game around the world."

Former presidency candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein: "I think this is the right move from Sepp Blatter and I think we have to look to the future. I am always there to serve football and I think that's the most important thing and to do so much work to fix this organisation in a proper way. I am at the disposal of our national associations." (as told to CNN)

Former presidency candidate Luis Figo: "A good day for FIFA and for football. Change is finally coming. I said on Friday that the day would come sooner or later. Here it is! Now we should, responsibly and calmly, find a consensual solution worldwide in order to start new era of dynamism, transparency and democracy in FIFA."

Former presidency candidate David Ginola: "FIFA has lost the trust of the people and of football. It's time to restore the faith of those who love the game and the trust they have in the people who run football. I said my campaign was just the start of my journey to help bring football back to the people and I stand by my promise to bring reform to FIFA. I will stand as a candidate in the next FIFA presidential election and I vow to bring transparency, democracy and equality to football. It's time for change. It's time for a new and honest FIFA."

FIFPro, the world players' union: "FIFPro welcomes the decision of FIFA president Sepp Blatter to resign as this creates an overdue and unique opportunity to fundamentally reform the governance of football. FIFPro insists that only flawless governance will be acceptable to protect the wellbeing of the players and the integrity of the game. The reform effort will fail without the direct involvement of the players."